Program Description

The Post-Degree Certificate in Climate Change Policy exposes students to climate change science and its links to policy and policy makers. The program offers a combination of theory and practice and will prepare students for careers in the field of climate change at the science-policy interface in a circumpolar, Yukon-focused context. Emphasis will be given to the importance of understanding the scientific basis behind climate change and how these changes will impact natural and socio-economic systems. Students will gain a solid knowledge of policy design and analysis and will learn to develop effective responses to the challenges that come along with these changes.

The extent and complexity of the problems mean that there are no simple solutions. One way to respond to climate change issues is to develop policy. Policy development must include scenario-specific analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. Case studies focusing on the Yukon and, where applicable, indigenous government settings, and or indigenous communities, will inform policy development and decision making. The content of the Post- Degree Certificate in Climate Change Policy is inter-disciplinary and will underline the importance of communication, engagement and leadership. The program concludes with a practical component, which will explore the nature and variety of responses to the issue at a regional level, with a focus on adaptation, mitigation and policy response within a northern context.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements will be considered for flexible admission and need to demonstrate the following:

An acceptable alternative to an undergraduate degree

A rationale explaining why they meet the expected skill set, based on their resume.

English is the primary language of instruction and communication at Yukon College. English language proficiency is expected.

It is possible to register for individual courses offered through the program; however, this option is limited to a maximum of two courses and excludes the field school.

International Students

The Post-Degree Certificate in Climate Change Policy is a one year, part-time online program involving a brief in-Canada component consisting of a 2-week field school. As such, Yukon College will admit an international student to the program who meets the admission requirements as outlined above. The international student, however, will need to apply for a study permit to cover the 2 week in-Canada field school. For more information on how to apply for a student permit please see:

We strongly encourage students to apply for the student permit as soon as possible, ideally prior to registering for the program.

Transferability

To be determined.

Employment

The curriculum develops skills and knowledge needed for professional employment in the public, private, and third sectors, including consulting companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as academia. Here are some examples:

Climate change outreach

Environmental consulting/Monitoring

Climate change education and awareness

Environmental programs

Climate change and environmental policy development

Natural resource management

Energy policy and planning

Policy analyst

Food, water, energy security

Natural hazard management

Urban planning

Conservation

Communications and marketing

Teaching

Duration

1-year (part-time), with fall intake only.

Fees

Tuition for the Certificate Program is calculated per course credit, at $500/credit.

The ancillary fee for the field school is $1350.

For more details on tuition and ancillary fees speak directly to the Program Coordinator/Instructor.